This issue brief provides an overview of the prevalence of mental health issues for children and youth. It explores how schools are often the de facto mental health system for children; therefore, schools could be a first step for afterschool programs wanting partnerships for support on mental health needs.

This is an online toolkit for program leaders who want to start or improve an afterschool program. It includes 96 ready-to-use tools that include practical tips and Voices from the Field. For example, there are tools on hiring, conducting a needs assessment, logic model planning, and activity ideas like creating a warm and welcoming environment and homework help.

This issue brief describes the importance and impact of involving families in youth development programs. It presents examples of how programs that are part of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development have used three strategies to engage families: communication, participation, and partnerships.

This journal article describes the Center for Study of Social Policy's Youth Thrive Framework that is based on how the research on resilience, positive youth development, neuroscience, and trauma can help lead to healthy development and well-being for youth. There are multiple examples of how the Framework can be used to modify frontline practice, policy, and organizational culture.

This video is a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Shawn Ginwright. He explores stories and research related to his healing-centered framework to overcome trauma by building hope through relational, restorative, and political strategies.